In Botswana, a country well-known for its diverse wildlife, there are numerous species of snakes that inhabit its vast landscapes. This captivating article explores the 13 common types of snakes found in Botswana, ranging from venomous to non-venomous species. Among them, the Puff Adder stands out as one of the most dangerous snakes in the country, while the harmless Cape House Snake has often found solace in houses. The article also highlights the highly potent venom of the Boomslang and emphasizes the Cape Cobra’s reputation as one of the most perilous snakes in Botswana. However, not all snakes pose a threat. The Spotted Bush Snake, for example, is completely harmless and non-venomous to humans. Additionally, the Stripe-bellied Sand Snake intrigues with its remarkable speed, making it one of the fastest snakes in Botswana. As for the world’s deadliest snake, the Black Mamba claims that title with its venomous bite. On the other hand, the Red-lipped Snake has mild venom and poses no harm to humans. Lastly, the article highlights the colossal size of the Southern African Python, one of the largest snakes not only in Botswana but also in the world. With its predominantly olive-brown coloration, the Olive Whip Snake adds a touch of uniqueness to the diverse snake population in Botswana.
Puff Adder
Description
The Puff Adder is one of the most dangerous snakes found in Botswana. It has a thick body with a distinct triangular head and a broad, flat nose. The average length of a Puff Adder is around 1.2 meters, but they can grow up to 1.8 meters. They are highly venomous and have large fangs in their mouth which they use to inject venom into their prey.
Habitat
Puff Adders are commonly found in a variety of habitats including savannahs, grasslands, forests, and even rocky areas. They prefer areas with dense vegetation and are often found near water sources such as rivers, ponds, and marshes. Puff Adders are also known to live in close proximity to human settlements.
Behavior
Puff Adders are ambush predators, meaning they lie in wait for their prey to come within striking distance. They have a slow-moving and patient nature, often remaining stationary for long periods of time. When disturbed or threatened, they will hiss loudly and adopt a striking posture, puffing their bodies up and displaying their fangs as a warning.
Venom
The Puff Adder possesses highly potent venom, making it one of the most dangerous snakes in Botswana. Its venom is cytotoxic, which means it damages tissues and can cause severe pain, swelling, and necrosis. If bitten by a Puff Adder, immediate medical attention is necessary, as their venom can lead to potentially life-threatening complications.
Cape House Snake
Description
The Cape House Snake, also known as the Brown House Snake, is a harmless snake commonly found in houses and buildings in Botswana. It has a slender body, growing to an average length of 70-90 centimeters, with a shiny brown coloration and smooth scales. The Cape House Snake has a distinctive black line running from its eye to its neck.
Habitat
The Cape House Snake is primarily found in urban and suburban areas, where it seeks shelter and food in human habitats. It can be frequently sighted in gardens, buildings, and even garages. These snakes are excellent climbers and can easily navigate through trees, rafters, and other structures.
Behavior
Unlike venomous snakes, Cape House Snakes do not pose any threat to humans. They are generally docile and non-aggressive, preferring to retreat and hide when confronted. These snakes are known to feed on small rodents, insects, and birds, making them beneficial for keeping rodent populations in check.
Venom
The Cape House Snake is non-venomous and harmless to humans. It uses constriction as its primary method of capturing and subduing prey, squeezing it until it is unable to breathe. Humans have nothing to fear from this snake, and if encountered, it is best to let it continue on its way.
Boomslang
Description
The Boomslang is a highly venomous snake that should be avoided at all costs. It has a long, slender body and a flattened head. The average length of a Boomslang is between 1.2 to 1.5 meters, with males being slightly larger than females. They are known for their striking green coloration, although they can also vary from brown to yellowish-green.
Habitat
Boomslangs can be found in a variety of habitats, including forests, woodlands, and even suburban areas with ample vegetation. They prefer areas with dense foliage, such as bushes and trees, where they can camouflage themselves effectively. Boomslangs are agile climbers and spend a significant amount of time in trees.
Behavior
Boomslangs are generally shy and elusive snakes, preferring to avoid human contact. When threatened, they will adopt a defensive posture, opening their mouths wide to display their fangs and hissing loudly. Unlike some other venomous snakes, Boomslangs are not quick to bite and will only do so as a last resort.
Venom
The venom of the Boomslang is highly potent and can cause severe internal bleeding, leading to organ failure and death if left untreated. However, they are not aggressive towards humans and will only bite if provoked. If bitten by a Boomslang, immediate medical attention is crucial, as the venom can have devastating effects.
Cape Cobra
Description
The Cape Cobra, also known as the Yellow Cobra, is considered one of the most dangerous snakes in Botswana. It has a slender body, growing to an average length of 1 to 1.5 meters. The coloration of a Cape Cobra can range from light yellow to pale brown, with darker markings on its back.
Habitat
Cape Cobras inhabit a variety of habitats, including grasslands, deserts, and rocky areas. They are commonly found near water sources such as dams and rivers, as well as in agricultural fields where they can find their preferred prey. Cape Cobras are also known to seek shelter in abandoned burrows or termite mounds.
Behavior
Cape Cobras are highly venomous snakes with a highly irritable nature. When threatened or cornered, they will rear up and spread their neck in a classic cobra-like stance, hissing loudly to intimidate potential predators. They are swift and agile, capable of delivering multiple bites in quick succession if provoked.
Venom
The venom of the Cape Cobra is a potent neurotoxin, affecting the nervous system and causing paralysis. If bitten by a Cape Cobra, immediate medical attention is crucial, as the venom can lead to respiratory failure and death. It is considered one of the most dangerous snakes in Botswana, and encounters should be avoided at all costs.
Spotted Bush Snake
Description
The Spotted Bush Snake, also known as the Green Bush Snake, is a non-venomous species commonly found in Botswana. It has a slender and elongated body, growing to an average length of 70-90 centimeters. The coloration of this snake varies from bright green to light brown, with characteristic black spots along its body.
Habitat
Spotted Bush Snakes inhabit a wide range of habitats, including forests, grasslands, and savannas. They are excellent climbers and are frequently found in trees, where they search for small prey such as lizards and birds. They are also known to seek shelter in dense vegetation or under rocks.
Behavior
Spotted Bush Snakes are generally nocturnal and arboreal, meaning they are most active at night and spend most of their time in trees. They are agile and swift, using their slender bodies to navigate through foliage with ease. Despite their striking appearance, Spotted Bush Snakes are harmless to humans and pose no threat.
Venom
The Spotted Bush Snake is non-venomous, meaning it does not possess any venom glands or fangs. It relies on its body shape and agility to capture and subdue its prey. When encountering a Spotted Bush Snake, there is no need for concern, as they are harmless to humans and play an important role in controlling populations of small pests.
Stripe-bellied Sand Snake
Description
The Stripe-bellied Sand Snake, also known as the Shovelnose Snake, is one of the fastest snakes found in Botswana. It has a slender body, growing to an average length of 50-70 centimeters. The coloration of this snake consists of pale yellow or light brown scales on the back, with distinctive dark stripes running along the underside of its body.
Habitat
Stripe-bellied Sand Snakes prefer arid and sandy habitats, such as deserts and semi-desert areas. They are particularly well-adapted to sandy dunes, where their coloration provides effective camouflage. These snakes are not commonly found near water sources and have the ability to withstand high temperatures.
Behavior
Being a highly specialized sand-dwelling snake, the Stripe-bellied Sand Snake spends much of its time buried in the sand, waiting for small rodents to pass by. When not concealed, it moves with remarkable speed across the desert surface in a series of serpentine maneuvers. These snakes are non-venomous and are harmless to humans.
Venom
The Stripe-bellied Sand Snake is non-venomous and poses no threat to humans. It subdues its prey by constriction, wrapping its body around it until it cannot breathe. Despite their speed and agility, these snakes are docile and will try to escape when encountered rather than resorting to aggression.
Black Mamba
Description
The Black Mamba is considered one of the deadliest snakes in the world, let alone Botswana. It has a slender and elongated body, growing to an average length of 2.5 to 3 meters, although larger specimens have been recorded. The name “Black Mamba” refers to the black coloration of the inside of its mouth, not its skin coloration.
Habitat
Black Mambas inhabit a range of habitats, including forests, grasslands, and rocky areas. They are commonly found near water sources such as rivers and swamps. These snakes are excellent climbers and are known to explore trees and bushes, seeking prey such as birds and small mammals.
Behavior
Black Mambas are known for their incredible speed and agility. They are highly venomous and can deliver a series of bites in rapid succession. When threatened or cornered, they will often raise their heads high, displaying their black mouth interior as a warning. Black Mambas are generally shy and prefer to avoid confrontation.
Venom
The venom of the Black Mamba is highly potent, containing neurotoxins that affect the nervous system. If bitten by a Black Mamba, immediate medical attention is crucial, as the venom can cause paralysis and respiratory failure. It is important to remember that while these snakes are highly dangerous, they generally avoid human contact and bites are rare.
Red-lipped Snake
Description
The Red-lipped Snake is a small and non-venomous species found in Botswana. It has a slender body, growing to an average length of 40-60 centimeters. The name “Red-lipped Snake” refers to the distinct red coloration of its lower jaw and lips. The rest of its body ranges from olive-green to brown with a series of dark markings.
Habitat
Red-lipped Snakes are commonly found in a variety of habitats, including woodlands, grasslands, and rocky areas. They are known to seek shelter under rocks, logs, and in crevices. These snakes are also frequently encountered near water sources such as rivers and wetlands.
Behavior
Red-lipped Snakes are primarily nocturnal and spend much of their time concealed under rocks or in vegetation during the day. They are agile climbers and have been observed hunting in trees for small birds and eggs. Despite their striking appearance, Red-lipped Snakes are harmless to humans and pose no threat.
Venom
The Red-lipped Snake possesses mild venom, although the exact composition and effects are not well-studied. However, they are considered harmless to humans and bites are extremely rare. If encountered, the best course of action is to leave the snake undisturbed, as it plays an important role in controlling populations of small rodents and insects.
Southern African Python
Description
The Southern African Python is one of the largest snakes found in Botswana. It has a robust and muscular body, growing to an average length of 2.5 to 4 meters, although some individuals can exceed 5 meters. Their coloration varies from light to dark brown, with dark blotches along their body.
Habitat
Southern African Pythons inhabit a range of habitats, including forests, grasslands, and semi-desert areas. They can be found near water sources such as rivers and marshes, as well as in areas with abundant prey. These snakes require large territories and are known to travel considerable distances in search of food and suitable habitats.
Behavior
Southern African Pythons are non-venomous constrictors, meaning they capture and kill their prey by wrapping their bodies around them and squeezing until they cannot breathe. They are ambush predators, lying in wait for prey such as small mammals and birds. These snakes are generally docile and avoid human contact whenever possible.
Olive Whip Snake
Description
The Olive Whip Snake is a mildly venomous species commonly found in Botswana. It has a slender body, growing to an average length of 60-90 centimeters. The name “Olive Whip Snake” refers to its characteristic olive-brown coloration, which blends in well with its natural habitat.
Habitat
Olive Whip Snakes inhabit a range of habitats, including forests, savannas, and bushlands. They are agile climbers and are frequently found in trees, where they search for prey such as lizards and birds. These snakes are also known to spend time on the ground in shrubby areas and grasslands.
Behavior
Olive Whip Snakes are primarily arboreal, spending much of their time in trees and shrubs. They are quick and agile, using their slender bodies to navigate through branches and foliage. While they possess venom, it is considered mild and harmless to humans. These snakes are generally docile and prefer to escape rather than resort to aggression.
In conclusion, Botswana is home to a diverse range of snakes, both venomous and non-venomous. It is important to have a basic understanding of these species to ensure personal safety and coexistence with these fascinating creatures. While some snakes, such as the Puff Adder and the Black Mamba, pose a significant threat, others like the Cape House Snake and the Spotted Bush Snake are harmless and even beneficial to have around. By respecting their habitats and maintaining a safe distance, humans can peacefully coexist with these snakes and appreciate their important roles in the ecosystem.
